Patents by Inventor Christopher F. Banks

Christopher F. Banks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6809903
    Abstract: A first-surface optical disk including features, such as a slot defined on an edge of the housing for providing clearance for a blocking tab in a drawer mechanism so as to allow the cartridge assembly to be fully inserted into the drawer mechanism when the shutter member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: DPHI Acquisitions, Inc.
    Inventors: Glade N. Bagnell, Christopher F. Banks, Edwin J. Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 6644580
    Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks
  • Patent number: 6565028
    Abstract: A control mechanism that loads/unloads data storage tape is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks
  • Patent number: 6540167
    Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks, Yukio Katsuyama, Akira Takano, Tsukasa Minemura
  • Publication number: 20020100830
    Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions ofthe leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks
  • Publication number: 20020100831
    Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks
  • Publication number: 20020100829
    Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions ofthe leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions ofthe leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks, Yukio Katsuyama, Akira Takano, Tsukasa Minemura
  • Publication number: 20010030833
    Abstract: A cartridge for an optical disk includes a shutter having a tab which slides in a slot as the shutter moves between closed and open positions, the slot being isolated from an interior of the disk so as to protect the disk from debris generated as the shutter moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Glade N. Bagnell, Christopher F. Banks, Edwin J. Wadsworth
  • Patent number: D414168
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Caleb Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Parsons, Edwin J. Wadsworth, Christopher F. Banks, Lane W. Lee